Nollywood actress turned evangelist, Tonto Dikeh, has spoken out following the massive online backlash she received after a video of her conducting deliverance on a schoolgirl went viral.
The controversial clip, which has divided Nigerians on social media, shows the actress praying and performing what appeared to be a spiritual deliverance session on a female student during her recent visit to a school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Controversy That Got Everyone Talking
Last week, Tonto Dikeh visited the school to preach the gospel to students. During the session, she singled out one of the female students and began conducting what she described as a deliverance session. The video quickly made rounds on social media, sparking heated debates among Nigerians.
While some applauded the actress for her dedication to spreading the gospel and helping the young girl, many others criticized her actions heavily. Critics labeled the incident as child abuse and even called for her immediate arrest, questioning whether such spiritual activities should be conducted on minors in a school setting without proper parental consent.
Tonto Dikeh’s Powerful Response
Never one to back down, Tonto Dikeh has now addressed her critics with a powerful message shared on her Instagram page. In the post, the evangelist made it clear that no amount of criticism would make her abandon her spiritual calling.
In her characteristic bold style, she wrote:
“THE ASSIGNMENT GOD HAS PLACED UPON ME IS TOO IMPORTANT TO GET DISTRACTED. MY EYES ARE ON JESUS AND HE NEEDS NO ONE TO DEFEND HIS NAME.”
The actress-turned-preacher went further to declare that she would rather face mockery, ridicule, or even death than silence the name of Jesus Christ whom she credits with saving her life.
“I EVANGELIST TONTO DIKEH WOULD RATHER BE MOCKED, RIDICULED, OR EVEN SLAIN THAN SILENCE THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO SAVED ME,” she emphasized.
“I Refuse to Hide God to Protect My Image”
In what many have described as a defiant stance, Tonto explained that she would never compromise her faith to maintain her public image or please critics.
“I REFUSE TO HIDE GOD TO PROTECT MY IMAGE BEFORE MERE MORTALS. IF IT COMES TO IT, I WILL WEAR MOCKERY LIKE PERFUME AND CARRY REPROACH LIKE A CROWN, BECAUSE HE IS WORTH IT ALL,” she declared.
The evangelist also made it clear that she harbors no ill feelings toward her critics, stating: “I LOVE YOU ALL (the good, the ugly and the bad).”
Spiritual Warfare, Not Physical Battle
Tonto Dikeh further explained that she understands the nature of the opposition she faces, describing it not as a physical battle but as spiritual warfare.
“THE WORLD IS NOT FIGHTING ME, THE KINGDOM OF HELL IS AND I UNDERSTAND THIS. SO NO HATE OVER HERE, WE BATTLE ON OUR KNEES IN PRAYER. THAT WHERE TRUE STRENGTH IS FORGED AND TRUE VICTORIES ARE WON,” she concluded.
Nigerians React
As expected, Nigerians remain divided on the issue. While some commend her unwavering faith and courage to stand by her convictions despite public criticism, others maintain that conducting deliverance sessions on minors in schools raises serious ethical and legal questions.
The debate continues to rage on social media, with many asking whether religious activities of this nature should be permitted in educational institutions, especially involving children who may not fully understand what is happening to them.
What do you think about this controversy? Should religious figures be allowed to conduct deliverance sessions on students in schools? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Stay connected with us for more trending Nigerian celebrity news and updates.
For more news, check buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment